“Arrival” (2016)

Photo courtesy of Paramount Pictures

When mysterious spacecraft touch down across the globe, an elite team led by expert linguist Louise Banks (Amy Adams) is brought together to investigate. As mankind teeters on the verge of global war, Banks, and the team, race against time for answers. “Arrival” Website

What to Watch For: “Arrival” is at 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes with 55 critics reporting.

Word on the Street: Director Denis Villeneuve has wanted to do a Sci-Fi film for a number of years.

My Take: I will go see any film the Amy Adams is in.

The film opens nationwide on Friday.

“Christine” (2016)

Photo courtesy of The Orchard

Christine (Rebecca Hall) works as a reporter for a small TV news station. All she wants is to be the best reporter that she can be, but she just may be her own worst enemy. “Christine” Website

Watch To Watch For: The film was a big hit on the film festival circuit, and Rebecca Hall won the Best Actress award at the 2016 Chicago International Film Festival.

Word on the Street: Film critics who have seen the film feel that Rebecca Hall will get an Oscar nomination for this performance.

My Take: I have been a big fan of Rebecca Hall since her performance in “Vicky Cristina Barcelona” (2008).

My Take: I enjoyed the writer/director David E. Talbert’s 2013 film “Baggage Clam,”

The film opens nationwide on Friday.

“Shut In” (2015)

Photo courtesy of EuroCorp

Following an accident that killed her husband and paralyzed her son, she (Naomi Watts) is in her own home alone with her child. After an outside storm, she is isolated and starts believing that there is someone inside her house trying to harm them. “Shut In” Website

What to Watch For: Many critics are comparing the film to the 2014 horror film, “The Babadook.”

Word on the Street: Naomi Watts has been nominated for two Academy Awards.

My Take: I’ll go see any film that Naomi Watts is in.

The film opens nationwide on Friday.

“Loving” (2016)

Photo courtesy of Focus Features

Richard (Joel Edgerton) and Mildred (Ruth Negga) get married in 1958. They are sentenced to prison in Virginia because they are an interracial couple. “Loving” Facebook Page

What to Watch For: The film has been nominated for several awards at film festivals including the 2016 Cannes Film Festival.

Word on the Street: The film received a standing ovation following its premiere at Cannes.

“Tower” (2016)

Photo courtesy of Kino Lober

Fifty years ago a man rode the elevator to the 27th floor of the University of Texas Tower and opened fire, killing 16 people and wounding 32 others. This film doesn’t tell his story but the story of the people on the ground, some of which risked their lives to help others. “Tower” Website

What to Watch For: The film has won seven awards, including both the Audience Award and the Grand Jury Award at the 2016 SXSW Film Festival.

Word on the Street: The film uses rotoscoped animation to tell the story.

My Take: Many critics are saying that this is the best documentary of the year.

“The Monster” (2016)

Photo courtesy of A24

A mother and daughter (Zoe Kazan, Ella Ballentine) make an emergency road trip to see the girl’s father. On a slick road, they have an accident and total their car. Only slightly hurt, they are in the middle of nowhere, and there is something in the woods that is intent on never letting them leave. “The Monster” Website

Mike has a degree in Film from The University of Texas at Austin. He has worked in the entertainment industry for over 25 years and sees over 300 theatrical releases a year. Mike has a weekly movie blog where he reviews films both present and past...